T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan Knocked Out as Sri Lanka Seal Semifinal Spot for New Zealand and England

Pakistan are officially out of the T20 World Cup 2026 after failing to stop Sri Lanka in their Super Eight clash in Kandy.

Despite a dream start with the bat, Pakistan could not defend the required mark and saw their semifinal hopes end.

Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman gave Pakistan the perfect platform. The duo added a record 176 runs for the first wicket, the highest partnership in T20 World Cup history.

Farhan was in stunning form again. He scored 100 off 60 balls, hitting 9 fours and 5 sixes, and became the first batter to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup edition.

Zaman attacked from the other end and smashed 84 off just 42 balls. He dominated the powerplay as Pakistan raced to 64 without loss in six overs and reached 100 in just 10 overs.

At one stage, Pakistan looked set for a massive total. They crossed 150 in 14 overs and seemed in full control of the match.

But things changed quickly at the death. Wickets fell in a cluster and the scoring slowed down. Pakistan finished on 212 for 8 in 20 overs, a total that looked good but not safe enough.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers pulled things back smartly in the final overs. Dilshan Madushanka picked up three wickets, while captain Dasun Shanaka took two crucial scalps to limit the damage.

In the chase, Sri Lanka were driven by a strong knock from Pavan Rathnayake. He led the charge as the hosts comfortably crossed the 147-run mark Pakistan needed to defend to stay alive in the tournament.

Once Sri Lanka went past that number, Pakistan’s fate was sealed. Their campaign ended despite one of the best opening stands in T20 World Cup history.

With this result, New Zealand and England have confirmed their semifinal spots from the group. Pakistan, who started the tournament with high hopes, will now head home disappointed.

From the other Super Eight group, South Africa have already qualified for the semifinals. The final spot will go to the winner of India versus West Indies on March 1.

In the end, Pakistan’s explosive batting was not enough. Their struggle in the final overs with both bat and ball cost them a place in the last four.